Wisconsin Republicans Introduce Felony Bill Criminalizing Child Grooming Amid Teacher Misconduct Reports

Republican lawmakers in Wisconsin have introduced legislation to criminalize the sexual grooming of children as a felony, aiming to close legal gaps that have allowed predators to avoid punishment before actual abuse occurs. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Amanda Nedweski and Sen. Jesse James, defines grooming as a course of conduct intended to condition, seduce, or entice a child for sexual purposes, with penalties including up to 10 years in prison, fines, and mandatory sex offender registration. The legislation was prompted by investigations revealing over 200 cases of sexual misconduct and grooming by licensed school staff since 2018, and concerns over the state's Department of Public Instruction's handling of such cases, including insufficient transparency and lenient consequences. The bill increases penalties if the offender holds a position of authority or if the victim has a disability, reflecting lawmakers' intent to provide law enforcement with clearer tools to prosecute offenders and protect children. This initiative follows public criticism and calls from Gov. Tony Evers and law enforcement to establish a statutory definition of grooming to facilitate prosecution. The proposed law draws on similar statutes from other states and aims to ensure accountability and justice for victims and their families.